"Gervais was very funny, and we were very enthusiastic to bring him back," says one association member, who admits that the actor "maybe did cross the line a few times" with his barbs. The chances of Gervais toning it down this time around appear very slim, the Hollywood Reporter notes. "Just told Billy Crystal he'd better not use any of my Holocaust or pedophile material at the Oscars. He agreed," Gervais tweeted soon after the decision was announced.

Wonderful. Finally an awards show worth watching (at least the highlights). Ricky Gervais is a comedy genius and anyone who knows his work is aware that he is always the biggest butt of his own jokes. Give 'em hell, Ricky...